Most Read Articles

Your Ragweed Survival Guide

August marks the start of allergy
season for as many as one in five Americans
who get hay fever, also called
seasonal allergic rhinitis, each year.
That’s because ragweed, the main cause
of hay fever, begins blooming around
mid-August. And in one day, each plant
can produce a million pollen grains that
can travel for miles from its source.

“Ragweed can bring on sneezing,
stuffy nose, and watery eyes,” says allergist
James Sublett, MD, chair of the
American College of Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology’s public relations committee.
“But there are lots of things
people can do to find relief until the
first freeze comes along.”

Beat symptoms to the punch.
Get
a jump-start on ragweed allergy symptoms
by taking allergy medications in
advance, beginning the first or second
week in August.

Beware of other allergies that increase
symptoms.
If you’re allergic to
dogs, cats, or dust mites, you may be
even more susceptible to ragweed allergy.
New research suggests these
allergies “prime” the system, making hay
fever even worse. The solution? Get
treated for allergies year-round, which
will make hay fever easier to tolerate.

Sidestep yard work.
People who
have hay fever should avoid mowing
the lawn and raking leaves, two activities
that stir up pollen. If you must mow
or rake, or are doing other outside activities,
such as gardening, wear a National
Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health-approved N95 respirator mask.

Grab some shade(s).
Use style to
your allergy advantage. Wear glasses
or sunglasses that fit close to your face
to keep pollen from irritating your eyes.